If the Nets want to pay — really pay — they could add another body to replace the injured Brook Lopez.

On Tuesday, the NBA approved a $5.25 million Disabled Player Exception for the Nets to help cover the loss of Lopez, out for the rest of the season with a broken foot that required surgery. The Nets have until March 15 to use the exception. But to do so would come at a hefty cost, though the exception can be used in a trade.

The Nets would need to create a roster spot, and for every $1 million they spend would end up paying $4 million in additional luxury taxes. So a source termed using the DPE “unlikely.”